Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 00:37:23 GMT
From: Jon
Subject: Life after Nick part 5
Nick and Jonathan-Life after Nick
Part FIVE
Thanks as always to the readers who keep writing and telling me you
want more and more. It makes 8 years ago that I first started to work
on the very first part!
Comments as always- backbayguy@juno.com
thestonewolf
CHAPTER ONE:
Jonathan was standing next to the Hummer, Jared at his side and Erik
patiently sitting behind the wheel. They were at Logan Airport inside
Jonathan's private hanger. True to his earlier word, Jared was not
particularly listening to Jonathan who wanted to wait outside the hanger.
Pacing back and forth, Jonathan turned to Jared. "You are going to be a
pain in the ass about this aren't you?"
"Thank you" said Jared barely moving his lips.
Looking at Jared he started to say something but before Jonathan could
decide to be annoyed or amused the hanger doors started to open and he
saw the G-550 make the final turn on the taxi way and head toward the
hanger. As the jet entered the hanger Jonathan grabbed a pair of ear
protectors and put them on. Fans in the ceiling automatically kicked on
to draw out the jet fumes.
"Damn that thing is loud" said Jonathan.
Soon the engines were shut down and the door to the jet opened. As the
door ladder locked into place, an agent came down the stairs followed
by Ryan. He saw Jonathan and ran across the polished concrete surface
and wrapped his arms around him.
"Hey man, I missed you" said Ryan.
"Hi there" said Jonathan returning the hug. "I've missed you too. How
have you been?"
I've been really good" said Ryan, releasing Jonathan. "It's been
incredible over there. I also got some great news for you"
Ryan started to say something else when he saw Jared for the first
time. "Whoa! Dude! Who is the statue there?"
Jonathan followed his gaze and laughed. "That's the new bodyguard. It's
a long story. He's harmless for the most part"
"Yeah, OK" said Ryan, slightly cowed.
Jonathan nodded his thanks at Captain Hendrickson who had walked down
the stairs of the jet. As they got into the Hummer, Jonathan asked Ryan
"How was the flight?"
Before he could answer, there was a low growl and a mass of fur landed
in Ryan's lap. Sebastian's tail whipped back and forth furiously in his
delight to see Ryan.
"Damn cat, I love you too but get off my nuts" said Ryan, ruffling the
monster cat's fur.
Sebastian ignored the complaint and just stood there purring and moving
in time to the scratching on his back. Finally Ryan moved the cat over
to the seat.
"He weighs a ton" said Ryan.
"Only 45 pounds" said Jonathan.
"Feels more" said Ryan, "But to answer your question, the flight was
great. I love that jet."
"Yeah, it was done up right that's for sure" said Jonathan. "What do
you want to do? Are you up for an early lunch?"
"I snacked on the way over" said Ryan. "I would really like to crash
for a couple of hours before we do anything. The between studying,
classes and crap I'm wiped"
"No problem." Said Jonathan. "We'll head over to the hotel and you can
crash as long as you like. I got us tickets for the Red Sox tomorrow if
you are interested."
"Sounds great" said Ryan.
"What is this great news you have for me?" asked Jonathan.
"I thought I'd tell you over dinner later if that's OK" said Ryan.
"Nothing's wrong, but it is a surprise"
"OK" said Jonathan. "You didn't knock up some nice Swiss girl did you?"
Ryan laughed. "Nope, probably something to do with the 3 boxes of
condoms you sent over. What made you think I would use that many?"
"I had a suspicion" said Jonathan. "I know the international crowd, not
too mention you are 18 and always horny I suspect"
Ryan blushed.
Within another 10 minutes, they arrived at the hotel that Jonathan
owned in Boston. Jared made sure that Erik pulled into the underground
parking lot instead of letting them out front. Two other agents were
waiting. They escorted Jonathan and Ryan up to the private suite on
the top floor. This resulted in another scowl directed at Jared who
ignored it.
"I can't imagine how much money you must have spent to build this
place" said Ryan as he put his pack down. A steward quietly appeared
and took it and Ryan's other luggage into his bedroom.
"It was a bit but it is home" said Jonathan.
Anthony came out of the kitchen and walked over. "Welcome back Ryan" he
said. "Can I get you anything?"
"Nothing thank you, I'm going to crash for a little while". He replied.
"Very good" said Anthony, turning to Jonathan. "Are you going to be
eating here or running up credit card debt?"
"That's cute Tony, very cute" said Jonathan smiling. "I don't know yet.
I'll see what Ryan wants to do when he gets up."
"OK, just let me know. I won't plan on anything fancy just in case."
Said Anthony. "By the by, Karen wants to know what time you are
planning on flying to Phoenix. She wants to head over to a market she
knows to get some stuff for the house"
"I'm thinking Monday morning around 10ish." Said Jonathan. "That would
put us there about noontime"
At the mention of Phoenix, Ryan had stopped walking around and turned
to look at Jonathan.
"We're going to Phoenix?" he asked. He still had the occasional
nightmare about the night of his attack.
"It's OK Ryan" said Jonathan coming over and putting his hand on Ryan's
shoulder. "There's nothing wrong. I thought it would be nice to hang
out at the house at Boulders. Nothing is going to happen to you I
promise. Besides, you do have a body guard or two around."
"I know, I'm sorry, I still get jumpy when I hear the word Phoenix." He
said quietly.
"Hey, hey, nothing to be sorry about" said Jonathan. "Would you rather
go someplace else?"
"No that's cool" said Ryan. "I remember the house there it is wicked
cool. Besides I can work on my tan some and get a jump on Summer."
"Sound good kiddo" said Jonathan. "If you change your mind, just let me
know. We have 4 days to relax and have fun before you have to go back.
I'm going to be going back with you actually. I figure I'd spend a
couple of days with you over there before going on to do some business
outside Zurich. The only thing that is on the calendar, is that I have
a meeting in Toronto on Monday. It will be a quick trip up and back,
but you are more then welcome to join me if you want or just hang here
in Boston."
"Thanks, I'll think about it" said Ryan. "I'm going to go crash. I'll
see you in a few hours"
Jonathan nodded and Ryan wandered off to find his bedroom. Jonathan
stared after him for a moment and then proceeded to his study/office.
He paused for a moment at his desk to look at the pile of neatly
stacked papers. Frowning he turned away from the desk and walked over
to the ceiling to floor length windows overlooking Boston. He felt
rather then heard Anthony enter the room.
Anthony walked over with a tray in hand. On it was a crystal glass
containing a Bloody Mary.
"I know that look" said Anthony. "I thought you might want one"
Jonathan turned and took the drink. "You are a mind reader".
"We seem to do this from time to time" Said Anthony, more of a
statement then question. "You want to talk?"
"I'm restless" said Jonathan as he continued to stare out the window,
sipping his drink.
"So, sell the business" said Anthony, half joking. "You have two jets
at your disposal and a pretty much unlimited source of money. Go play.
You aren't getting any younger"
Jonathan laughed at that one. "You are crazy you know that?"
Anthony raised an eyebrow. "Yes well. Perhaps if you Americans hadn't
been so cheeky a couple of hundred years ago, the Empire wouldn't have
lost its' mind. I'm around if you need to talk. When you are ready"
With that Anthony quietly walked from the room. Jonathan continued to
stare out the window. A question, unformed and unbidden sprang from his
mind. Equally quickly an answer to the unasked question returned to his
mind. "It makes sense" was the answer.
Jonathan continued to stare out the window for a couple of hours, not
aware of the passing of time. His body went rigid and still, his mind
sailing through channels and dimensions of the universe.
CHAPTER TWO:
Coming out of his near trance, he stretched and was surprised to see
over two hours had passed. Remembering all that had passed through his
mind he walked over to his desk and hit the speed dial for Brandon. It
was picked up in one ring.
"Yes Boss?" said Brandon.
"What do you do?" asked Jonathan. "Keep that phone glued to your ear?"
"You pay me to be around on short notice and I was taught well" he
replied with a laugh.
Jonathan watched as Sebastian glided into the room. "Hold on a moment"
said Jonathan into the phone and hit the hold button.
There was a locking of eyes between man and cat. The game was afoot.
Sebastian's tail began to whip frantically back and forth as the ears
went back. Jonathan just stared at the cat. With a banshee howl, the
cat charged across the room timing his attack perfectly; launching at
the last possible moment to clear the corner of the desk. Jonathan had
stood up to deflect a higher attack and missed catching the cat
entirely. Sebastian slid under Jonathan's arms and landed paws first
right into the two large piles of paperwork; sending them scattering
across the desk and onto the floor.
"Dammit cat!" said Jonathan.
Sebastian just looked at him, proud of his accomplishment.
Jonathan scowled at the cat and picked up the phone again.
"Everything all right?" asked Brandon.
"Yeah, the cat just decided to make confetti of all the paperwork on
the desk" said Jonathan.
"Where did he get this thing about attacking papers" asked Brandon.
"I have no idea." Said Jonathan. "He's only taken it up in the past
couple of years."
"Everything was in coded folders so it shouldn't be hard to put back
together" said Brandon. "What did you need by the by?"
"Oh yeah" said Jonathan. "Can you let Ian know I'd like to see him out
in Phoenix a couple of days after we get there? He can hop the 550. I'm
planning on using Renaissance to Phoenix then the shot over to
Switzerland."
"Can do" said Brandon. "How's Ryan doing?"
"He looks great" said Jonathan. "He's put on an inch or two in height
and some muscle as well. He has some secret to tell me tonight"
"That's always fun" said Brandon. "There is nothing pressing that can't
wait here. I'll have some work on board for you for the flight to Toronto."
"OK, sounds good, thanks" said Jonathan; breaking the connection.
He turned his attention back to Sebastian who was washing himself on
the desk.
"You are a pain sometimes you know that?" he asked the cat.
"I am cat, you are mortal" came the reply in his head.
"That's immortal if you don't mind" said Jonathan.
"You are still a human and that makes me superior" said the cats' voice.
"Hramumph" said Jonathan.
CHAPTER THREE:
A few hours later, Ryan wandered out of his bedroom stretching.
Jonathan looked up from the couch where he was reading.
"You sleep well?" he asked.
"Yeah, like the dead" said Ryan, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Jonathan took the moment to look at Ryan. His mind flashed to the night
in the Phoenix alley when all he saw was a scared kid curled up in a
ball of blood and pain. Looking at him now, Ryan stood at an even six
feet tall. On his frame hung a set of swimmers muscles, tapering down
to a narrow waist. His shirtless chest was covered in a fine layer of
black hair, trailing down his six packed swimmers abs. His legs,
hidden by the Abercrombie pajama pants still showed obvious muscle
through them as he walked. Even his feet showed the muscular work from
all of the daily swimming. It was pretty obvious that swimming season
was not going on judging from the length of hair on Ryan's chest.
"Do you want something to eat?" asked Jonathan.
"Yeah I do, what time is it?" asked Ryan.
"It is just about 5pm." Said Jonathan.
"Damn, I must have been more wiped then I thought" said Ryan.
"Jet lag and school will do that" said Jonathan. "Do you want to eat
here or go out?"
"I'm not that awake for decisions yet" said Ryan as he stretched some
more. "You decide, whatever is cool"
Taking into consideration that Ryan was 18 he said, "OK, how does
Cheers sound?"
"Sounds like fun" said Ryan. "The Swiss can cook like no one else, but
I still miss a good burger"
"Ok, go get changed and we can head out" said Jonathan.
Ryan nodded. "Do I have time for a shower?"
"Of course, take your time" said Jonathan.
As Ryan headed off, he picked up his phone and hit the speed dial for
Danny.
"What's up Boss?" asked Danny.
"Dinner time" said Jonathan. "Going to Cheers and then bum around a bit"
"Which one?" asked Danny. "The original or the one in the market place?"
"I'm thinking Market place" said Jonathan. "Then we can go up to
Galleria if he wants to do some shopping."
"I'll let the crew know" said Danny.
"You coming with us?" asked Jonathan.
"Do you need me to?" asked Danny. "You have Jared, Eric and the rest of
the crew"
"I don't need you to, but it would be nice" said Jonathan. "Besides, we
haven't had dinner in a while. I kind of miss you scowling at the
people as they pass by"
"I'll take that as in invite to dinner" said Danny. "When are we leaving?"
"Ryan is in the shower, so figure 40 minutes or so" Said Jonathan.
"I'll have everything ready and see you downstairs" promised Danny.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ryan emerged from his room about 35 minutes later. He was dressed in
Jeans, light sweater and an A&F hat.
"Looking sharp" said Jonathan. "You ready?"
"Yeah, hungry as a horse" he replied.
They walked out to the front doors, where Jared was waiting along with
two others. They were dressed down for the event, in sweatshirts,
jeans, and sneakers.
"What's with the casual look?" asked Jonathan on the way down the elevator.
"Danny said you wanted security to blend in a bit better with you" said
Jared, "So I figured this would work"
"Jared, you could blend into a mountain and look at home" said Jonathan.
"Uh huh" came the expected reply.
As they entered the garage, Erik was waiting by the two hummers. Danny
was also waiting for them. Jonathan and Ryan got into the back of
Hummer One. Jared and Erik got into the front. Danny and the other
agents got into Hummer Two. It was a short drive down to the
marketplace. Erik let them off near the Marketplace and kept the two
hummers near each other along North Street. The last thing Jonathan saw
as they walked into the Marketplace was Erik calmly telling the meter
maid where to put the ticket. He smiled.
After dinner and walking around the marketplace for a while, Ryan
decided that he didn't want to go shopping but wanted to walk down to
the harbor. Jared decided that this was acceptable and they started the
walk down State Street. Jonathan felt completely comfortable between
Jared and Danny. He figured that they didn't need the other two agents,
but didn't argue. Ryan and Jonathan just chatted about Switzerland and
some of the things that Ryan had done over the year.
Arriving at the Long Wharf, they walked out to the very end. The
evening sun was starting to set, casting a myriad of colors into the
sky. They sat down at the water's edge watching the tide come in. In
the short distance a harbor seal played.
"Thanks for flying me back this week; I can really use the break" said
Ryan.
"Not a problem" said Jonathan. "It is great to see you. It has been too
long. I've been pretty busy and haven't had a chance to fly over. So
what's this big surprise you have for me?"
"Well, you know I applied to like 5 colleges in the states?" asked Ryan.
"Yup" said Jonathan. "Did you make a decision?"
"Yeah I did" said Ryan. "I did some talking to my advisor over in
Switzerland. He suggested that I also apply to the Swiss Federal
Institute of Technology. I did and not only did they accept me I've
decided to accept"
"That is awesome, congratulations!" said Jonathan getting up and giving
Ryan a hug. "I guess this is a night for surprises.. I've got one for
you too"
"What's that?" he asked, excitement in his voice overriding the jet lag.
For a brief moment he saw that primal innocence and excitement of youth
that he had seen the very first day in Nick's face at the airport. He
smiled to himself.
"Well, I've got a proposal for you if you are interested, no pressure"
said Jonathan.
"I like girls" said Ryan with a straight face.
"Wise ass" said Jonathan with a laugh, "Not that kind of a proposition"
"I know" said Ryan, "I'm just playing around, what's up?"
"I have started the legal proceedings, or rather the lawyers have, to
formally adopt you" said Jonathan. "That would make you my legal heir"
"Whoa" said Ryan, the enormity of that statement hitting him like a ton
of bricks. "I'm not sure I could handle that kind of responsibility"
"Well, don't worry, I'm not going anywhere for along while" said
Jonathan. "Besides, I've had a group of people looking for your family
since that day in Phoenix. No one can find anything. It is like a UFO
came and picked them up. You have no other relatives and I thought you
might like a real family again. You've become a very special part of my
extended family and thought you might like it"
"I don't know what to say" said Ryan. "I can't begin to express what my
feelings are on what you have done for me so far. I mean that night you
rescued me was like out of an action film. From there to Vegas to Key
West to school in Switzerland, it is unreal. I can't ever begin to
thank you for what you have done."
"Don't even try then" said Jonathan quietly. "I've got more money then
I will ever spend in 10 lifetimes and I use it to help people. You are
very special."
Ryan looked embarrassed.
"I'm so proud of you" said Jonathan. "You could have just quietly faded
out or taken advantage of what I've offered. Instead you have taken the
opportunity and run with it. For an American kid to make it into the
Institute is something you can be proud of beyond words. I know I am."
"Can I take a day or two to think about your offer?" asked Ryan. "I
don't mean to sound stand offish or freaked out, but being heir to a
kingdom is a bit much to absorb"
"No problem" said Jonathan. "You about ready to head back to the hotel
or you want to go do something?"
"I've got my second wind" said Ryan. "What do you think about playing
some pool?"
"I've got two tables at the penthouse" said Jonathan.
"Is there someplace around town we can go?" he replied.
"Yeah there is" said Jonathan.
He looked up and over at Danny. When Danny came close, he said. "We're
going to Jillian's"
"OK" said Danny. "The Hummers are at the end of the Wharf in front of
Chart House."
They walked back down the Long Wharf and got in the Hummers for the
ride to Fenway. Along the way, Jonathan looked at Jared.
"Do you play pool?" he asked him.
"I used to play English Pool when I was stationed in London" came the
reply.
"Uh huh" said Jonathan, still trying to figure out his body guard.
"How come Danny isn't guarding you any more?" asked Ryan.
"He is, just more into logistics then the physical" said Jonathan.
CHAPTER FIVE
The weekend passed quickly. Ryan got over his jetlag faster then
Jonathan ever remembered getting over it. The days were filled with
baseball at Fenway to a picnic on the common. That didn't sit really
well with the security team, but there were no incidents. Monday
morning, Ryan asked to stay behind in Boston while Jonathan flew to
Toronto.
Getting back in the early evening, Jonathan found Ryan out on the
balcony of the penthouse with a glass of wine looking at the sunset.
"Pretty grown up there for an 18 year old" said Jonathan.
"You can drink at 16 over there" said Ryan referring to Switzerland,
"I've never had wine like you have around here though"
Jonathan came over and poured a glass for himself and looked at the
bottle. "At 400 a bottle I don't think the rathskellers have them.
"Damn" said Ryan, almost spilling his glass. "I just asked Anthony for
a nice white wine. I didn't want the best bottle in the place."
"It isn't" said Jonathan. "How was your day?"
"Pretty cool" said Ryan. "I slept in, went running, worked out and did
some shopping. By the way, what's with security? I had a couple of them
working out with me. They could bench what I weigh and not break a sweat."
"They are the cream of the crop" said Jonathan. "They are trained to
the peak of physical and mental perfection. They are among the best
trained security agents in the world"
"Made me feel like a whimp." Said Ryan.
"Heh" said Jonathan. "So, you still want to head out to Phoenix?"
"Yeah I do" said Ryan. "I need to face Phoenix and my nightmare. I'd
like to go back to that alleyway while we are there if I could."
"Of course" said Jonathan. "I was thinking of cutting out tomorrow
instead of Wednesday. That would give us an extra day there, maybe pop
up to Vegas before heading back to Switzerland"
"That would be a lot of fun" said Ryan. "Uhm, listen I have been
thinking about what you said out on Long Wharf last week"
"OK" said Jonathan.
"I'd be honored to have you as my father" said Ryan. "I have no earthly
clue what I'd do when you die, which I hope won't be for a long while,
with that kind of power and money, but I hope I can do half of the good
you have"
"Don't worry, it won't be for ages and ages" said Jonathan. "As to the
power and wealth, you already have whatever you need, so it won't be a
major change; other then maybe another body guard or two. Oh yeah, and
this"
He handed Ryan what looked like a silver business card holder with a
black ribbon around it.
"I was going to give this to you when you graduated, but now seems like
the time" said Jonathan.
Ryan ran his fingers over the smooth polished surface. "What's this?"
"Open it and find out" said Jonathan. "I don't think you have x-ray
vision."
Ryan undid the silk ribbon and opened the holder. His eyes widened.
"You're kidding right?" he asked looking at Jonathan.
"Welcome to the family, you are responsible enough to handle it" said
Jonathan.
Inside was the ultimate get out of jail free card... The American
Express Ebony Card, with his name on it.